How to Write an Argumentative Essay

An argumentative essay is a category of essay writing that needs anextensive search of published material and evidence collection related to the essay question. The author of the essay must thoroughly investigate or research a topic, gather, collect and assess evidences or tests. Then he or she mustestablish the position or taking on the matter, and then present the collected material in a concise way.The collection of material can be done by seeking reference material such as literature published previously or by collecting data from interviews and surveys of people or experimental analysis observations. This kind of detailed research allows the writer, that could be a student, to collect a lot of data on the topic and understand different points of view;this also helps students to choose a location from which start the project, and describe the ‘topic’ according to the ‘evidence’ gathered through research. The type and amount of researchfor argumentative essay must always be defined by a clear thesis which sounds logic and reasoning.

Complete topic

An argumentative essay can be thought of in terms of a debate with a partner or associate to discuss the pros and cons of a subject. However, the best essay must be “completed” in all aspects – a beginning, middle and end – with the entire process to come to a logical conclusion, without doubts and ambiguities regarding the intent of thesis.

The ‘five-point’ rule

The ‘five-point’ approach is considered to be the common method to be followed duringwriting of an argumentative essay; a direct approach of an introductory paragraph, three paragraphs to project evidence and arguments contra and a concluding paragraph. However, this is not a must followed formula.

Starting essay

Introduction

• Thesis statement

A defined thesis statement that clearly and concisely defines the issue must be included in thefirst paragraph of the essay. A general review of the topic followed by an explanation of the importance of the topic and its relevance to the readers follows thesis. This should end with the thesis statement that clearly and concisely defines the theme and proceeds to follow the guidelines.

Body

Clear transition between the introduction and the body, different points of view and evidentiary support (anecdotal, factual, logical and statistical) to keep topic

The body of the essay is the mortar, which acts as a ‘foundation’. Unless the student provides a logical progression in the thought process, the wise do not show any interest in the player. The transition, which means the bond that connects the thought process of the preceding paragraph for the next, should be a smooth flow that provides connectivity of thought.

Each paragraph should discuss a general idea giving clarity and direction to the wise. The body of the essay should beconnected logically withthe thesis statement; here the emphasis is to explain how and why the evidence gathered support the thesis statement. The test should include accurate, detailed and up to date, relevant information; all anecdotal information, factual, logical and statistical data must be examined and presented in an interesting way, without making it too long-drawn or uninteresting.

An argumentative essay must also discuss different points of view. Other opinions have to be defined and rather than rejected outright, the student would do well to project when different points of view are not in conjunction with the thesis.

Conclusion

• Reaffirming and reinforcing the thesis statement

The essayshould have an impacton the reader, and well-written conclusion is aimed to have this impact. No new information should be introduced here; rather it should summarize and synthesize the information presented in the preceding paragraphs that lead to an effective and logical conclusion.

In the end, the writer is free to indicate areas that need more research to further establish the thesis statement.